Twelve projects across England - from Darlington in the north to Plymouth in the south - have been given the go ahead to rebuild or refurbish secondary schools in their area as part of the Building Schools for the Future (BSF) programme.

The 12 projects are: Brent, Darlington, Devon, Havering, Kingston & Croydon, Lancashire, Norfolk, Plymouth, Sefton, Tameside, Wakefield, and Warrington. Each of these will embark on their BSF schemes between January and March 2010.

The authorities were confirmed following a rigorous selection process in which they demonstrated they were ready to hit the ground running with their projects to renew the secondary schools estate in their area.

In its new capacity as the delivery organisation for all capital investment programmes, Partnerships for Schools (PfS) has also confirmed funding for three local authorities to progress their plans for local delivery of the primary capital programme. Hammersmith & Fulham, Leicestershire and Medway have had their Strategy for Change submissions signed off, guaranteeing additional funding for 2010-11.

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Tim Byles, Chief Executive of PfS, said: "With over 110,000 pupils already benefitting BSF investment, today’s announcement will boost this growing figure over the coming years.

"As well as delivering the new schools facilities that teachers and pupils deserve to every community, BSF will also help safeguard tens of thousands of jobs on the ground in the construction and related industries.

"Teachers, parents and pupils in the 129 schools already open throughout England bear witness to the positive difference that BSF is making in their local community. Building on the work already done, we will work in partnership with these new authorities - both through the BSF and Primary Capital programmes - to ensure that this experience and impact is replicated across the country."

The announcement sees up to a further £1bn of funding committed to schools around the country. The 10 projects new to BSF will share up to £800m of funding enabling them to bring forward their first batch of secondary schools to rebuild or refurbish, meaning that local authorities are able to start their BSF schemes earlier than had previously been thought. Lancashire and Tameside local authorities, who are already in the BSF programme, can begin on the next stage of their projects.

(CD/GK)